Ode to Kabaddi

Oh, kabaddi, ancient sport of strength and skill
Played on dusty fields and rugged hills
Where mighty warriors clash in battle so fierce
With raw determination that never doth pierce

The hearts of those who play with such might
Bravery and courage shining so bright
In this game of skill and speed they strive
To conquer their opponents, to emerge alive

Born in the fields of India's heart,
You captivate us from the very start,
With your blend of power and skill,
You exhilarate, you thrill.
The players enter the arena, strong and bold,
Their bodies glistening with sweat, their hearts full of gold,
They chant the kabaddi mantra loud and clear,
Fearless and fierce, they show no fear.

The game begins with a fierce battle cry
As players enter the ring, staring eye to eye
Their bodies tensed, their spirits high
As they prepare to fight, to give it a try

The raider steps forward, draws in a breath
And enters the enemy's domain, facing death
He must touch an opponent and escape
Before the defenders can him capture and ape

His movements are swift, his mind alert
As he dodges and weaves, avoiding each hurt
But the defenders are strong, they form a wall
And he must fight hard or else he will fall

But the raider is skilled, he is quick on his feet
He touches his foe and retreats, so fleet
The defenders try to catch him, to hold him tight
But he's too fast, he evades them like a sprite

And then it is the defenders' turn,
To raid the enemy, to make them burn
With power and cunning, they enter the fray
Their eyes locked on their prey, no delay

They must touch as many opponents as they can
Before their breath runs out, before they must plan
A quick escape, a dash to safety
Before the raid is over, before the finality

And so the game goes on, back and forth
Each team striving to prove their worth
In this ancient sport of glory and might
Where victory comes only to those who fight

With all their heart and all their soul
For kabaddi is a game that takes a toll
On mind and body, on spirit and will
But those who play it, play it still

For the joy of the game, the thrill of the fight
The camaraderie shared, the bond so tight
Between players who battle with all their might
For the love of kabaddi, burning so bright

So here's to kabaddi, ancient and grand
A sport that unites players throughout the land
In a bond of brotherhood, of shared delight
In this game of skill and speed, of true might

May it ever endure, may it never fade
May it always be played, with joy displayed
For kabaddi is a game like no other
A sport of true champions, each sister and brother.